Opportunity Shopping: 5 steps to getting the good stuff

source: viewed on dirtgirl Facebook page

I love op shops.  

As a child I used to go opshopping with my mum and come home with fairly horrid stuff like porcelain figurines and huge stuffed toys.  Then I went if I needed a costume for a high school or a uni event.  When I moved out of home, I would go occasionally but would feel a bit embarrassed by it.  I'd hate to be seen there.

More recently, I have embraced opshopping.  A career counsellor told me it was a good creative outlet. I decided I prefer secondhand as it was better for the environment.  AND I realised that it was true: people make stupid choices and give away really good stuff to opshops.

Coincidently, opshops are a great place to visit to find out what NOT to give as gifts.  Christmas mugs, scented candles and gimmicky kitchen appliances are overstocked at many opshops.  

Here are 5 ways you can really benefit from opshopping.  

1.  MOST IMPORTANT: Go and go regularly.  If you are serious about finding the good stuff it is pretty important to make it a habit.  I go at least fortnightly - usually 2 opshops in the same area at a time.  I think the ladies know me at some!!

2. What do you need? It is overwhelming to look at everything - although a cursory glance over smaller shops may bring its own opportunities. Novels, bags, children's clothing or toys - have a general idea to keep you focussed.  Consider setting a budget.  It is easy to go overboard.  Just because it is cheap, doesn't mean you will use the item.  Still consider if you actually need the item.

3.  Kids toys and clothing are often practically new.  With so much gift giving and fast-growing children, there is much at the opshop for little ones.  When people say they wouldn't put their kids in opshop clothes because, "Who knows what the previous owner did with them??!!", I wonder - What do YOU do with clothes to make you so suspicious?!  With a wash, clothes can be as good as new - either brand new or with much wear still in them.

4. Is it an Exy Oppy? Depending on overheads, some opshops are generally more expensive.  By comparing key items you can get an idea.  For example, an empty Moccona coffee jar will cost you between 20 cents and 2 dollars.  Also consider that some opshops are more expensive but have higher quality merchandise.  For example, one opshop I love has great designer clothing.  I am happy to spend $15 for something there and appreciate that someone has sorted through the clothes and just left in the good stuff.

5. Buy items that you would generally buy new at a shop.  This might sound obvious, but it is really a reminder that opshops have a wider range of items than you might expect.  Magazines, incense and greeting cards can all be found at the opshop.

P.S.  Oh dear, I had been sitting on this post for a bit and then read this one in a blog I enjoy.  Similar tips, so maybe I should feel like my advice is spot on?!

Please tell me your best find at an op shop!!

Dreaming of Japan… Itinerary & Top 10 Tourist Experiences

Lately I have been dreaming of going to Japan.  I'd love my husband and daughter to see it and I'd just love to be there: getting lost amongst all the people on the streets, navigating the massive train stations, quickly grabbing onigiri (rice balls) for lunch or walking through the friendly and lively streets of Tokyo way too late at night.

Realistically, a trip with my toddler wouldn't be visiting the Japan I remember.  For now, I am happy to wait and get by with little experiences of Japan in my day-to-day life (I'll write about them soon! For a slightly out of date taster, try clicking here).



However, if I HAD TO rush off to Japan for 10 days next week, this is what I'd do….

(PLUS, see below for a top 10 of my tourist experiences in Japan)

Day 1: Day flight in to Tokyo - Narita Airport.  Be kind to yourself and get the N'EX - Narita Express- to Shinjuku.  It is about 90 minutes, so make sure you head to the convenience store at the airport and get a beer and snacks.  Woohoo! You are in Japan.  Last time I was in Tokyo (2009), I stayed HERE.  Kabukicho is a bit seedy, but I feel pretty safe there.  (I was victim to a bag grabbing in Tokyo once - way out in the suburbs, a block from my apartment.  So do look after yourself as you would in any other large city)

Day 2: Sunday.  Take it easy, take it all in.  I am linking to a friend's blog, Tight Arse Travel, as it has a day trip I wrote about that is perfect for a Sunday in Tokyo.  Find it here.  I have copied it here too:

This half day plan for Tokyo is especially good for Sundays & a good remedy to museums. Apart from train tickets, food & drink, it is all free. It is worth a mention that these are based on my time there in 2006.

Take the train to Shibuya station & get out at the Hachiko exit. Have a look at the loyal dog statue and check out the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world. There is a Starbucks with a great view over the crossing - a great spot for people watching.

Next up, walk to Harajuku station (or train it) - there is an elevated walkway towards the park. On Sundays this is where you'll find heaps of dressed up teenagers looking all Gothic or manga-like & loving the attention. Keep going and you'll find Meiji jinga (shrine) in Yoyogi Park. The shrine has a lovely long entrance that includes walking under the torii gates - it is a nice shady place to be in summer. The shrine is great to look at and you'll often see a traditional wedding.  

Head back out and spend some time in Yoyogi park - on the weekend there's some awesome people watching, pet watching (dressed up dogs, rabbits … crazy stuff) plus people doing kendo, singing or dancing.

Hungry?  If you are happy at the park, grab an ice-cream from one of the vending machines (Y100) or head back to Harajuku station and grab something from the convenience store (beer, rice ball, sushi, spaghetti ... there's a high turnover so there's a fair range and fresh Y300+).  If you are happy to leave the park, walk into Harajuku, on to the main drag - Omotesando dori/street. Opposite Zara, there is a cheap but good sushi train place on the first floor - plates from Y100, plus all the wasabi, ginger & tea you can eat & drink.  

Bonus activity: The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings in Nishi-Shinjuku are open morning- evening: the observation deck will give you an idea of the size the city.

Day 3: It is Monday, so think about whether you want to get in amongst rush hour in the world's most busy train station or not.  It should be less crowded by 9am ish.  Head out to Omiya today.  It is not a huge tourist destination, but it has a great kimono shop - reasonable prices, plus try on.  They also have a business in central tokyo if you'd like to get your hair and makeup done, have a tea ceremony and visit a shrine in your kimono.  See the website here.  In the afternoon, visit the Edo Tokyo Museum for a good history of Tokyo, including dioramas and models.  Tonight head out to an izakaya for tea and drinks, plus "just half an hour" of karaoke.  The karaoke place they used in Lost in Translation is close to the hotel and has great views.

Day 4:  Check out of the hotel and lock your bags at Shinjuku Station in a locker.  Hardcore Tokyo today: Tsukiji Wholesale fish markets, Akihabara - Electric Town & weird manga stuff, Senso-ji Temple, Kappabashi-dori (for awesome catering gear, including plastic food and beautiful crockery), the Imperial Palace and a look at Ginza.  Tonight you are on the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Hiroshima, so go to a convenience store and buy dinner or get a bento at the station.  There is a huge turnover of food in Tokyo, so it is fresher than you might expect.  Check in to your hotel (no recommendation, sorry! Maybe try the local Tokyu Hotel) and sleep...

Day 5: Why did I make DAY 4 so full on?  2 reasons- Japan is fast paced, you had a slow start to warm up but now it is time to travel hard, Empress!  Secondly, and more importantly, is to get the most mileage out of your 7 Day Japan Rail Pass.  For the rest of your trip -including the pricey trip back to the airport- your train costs are covered.  Yes, thank you would be appropriate right now!!

You are in Hiroshima.  I don't love Horror Tourism (Auschwitz, HoChiMinh War Museum, Phnom Penh) but I did find the Peace Museum fascinating.  Go in the morning, then head out to Miya Jima - a shrine by/in the water.  Tonight is all about the local speciality: okonomiyaki. And beer. And talking about how we can rid the world of nuclear weapons.

Day 6: Heading to Kyoto.  Stop off at Himeji to stretch your legs and see an awesome castle.  Check in to your hotel in Kyoto then go geisha spotting in Gion at sunset.  Early night in preparation for another big day of sightseeing. Stay at a traditional inn (ryokan) near Kyoto Station: HERE .

Fushimi Inari Shrine (as seen in Memoirs of a Geisha)

Day 7-9: Kyoto is a wonderland of temples, shines and beauty set amongst an otherwise standard modern city.  I love it.  Find moments to breath in the old Japan before hot footing it to the next sight.  It can be overwhelming, my picks would be: Kiomizudera, Fushimi Inari Shrine, the Arashiyama area and the nightingale floor at the castle.  But there are many sights so do your homework and don't forget to stop every now and then - one travel companion had a one temple / one ice-cream rule, but that would be challenging to most appetites in Kyoto!

Also in the area is Nara and Osaka - easy to get to by train for a day trip.

Kinkaku-ji, Kyoto

Day 10: Travelling back to Tokyo.  A free day to make sure you get all the karaoke-ing, shopping or hot spring bathing you need done.  If you haven't already, go to a 100 yen store ($2 shop, but better) to buy some souvenirs.  Train to Tokyo during day - hopefully you will see Fuji san from train.  Then out to airport.  After you check in, my tip is to head back to the convenience store for some umeshu or sake then spend your last few hundred yen on a massage chair.  Nice way to relax for the night flight home…

Top 10 Tourist Experiences in Japan, no particular order…

1. Night cruise on Tokyo Bay- Okonomiyaki and beer, plus a gorgeous view.  The boats are a bit decrepit, so drinking beer helps.

2. Karaoke.  The first rule of Karaoke Club is: no one is made to sing!!  Give karaoke a go to see what the fuss is about.  In my experience, most people come reluctantly and end up having fun.

3. The Sapporo Ice Festival - see the sculptures carved from ice then visit the Sapporo Beer Factory for a tour, tasting and the Genghis Khan BBQ.

4. Bathing in a hot spring with a pretty view.

5. Shopping: 100 yen stores, Loft, Kappabashi Street, 3 Coins (300 Yen store) - there's some great shopping.

6. Hakone.  Stay at the Fuji Hakone Guesthouse, get the all inclusive ticket.  It is a beautiful place to see Mt Fuji, enjoy the hot springs and get away from the hustle and bustle.  I contemplated adding this to the suggested itinerary for the last couple of days as a nice way to round off the trip - see how you go!

7.  Taiko drumming is pretty awesome - I saw a performance and would recommend.  I am not really in to many cultural performances (I've seen a few on my travels and tend to be dinky) but I love the energy of taiko.

8. Sumo - check to see if there is a bout on when you go.  Great fun and easy to understand what is going on - even I could understand the rules!

9. Tokyo Disney Land and Universal Studios Osaka.  Fun days out and a novelty if you don't have these theme parks near your home.  I still remember the thrill of cycling into the sky with E.T. and hearing him say my name!

10. The Japanese are great at celebrating the changing seasons.  I loved cherry blossom season - picnics at the park under the trees.  I also loved the changing colours of the ginkgoes and the Japanese Maples.  Summer meant festivals - the chance to dress up in summer kimonos - while winter was for eating nabe and visiting the a shrine in the early hours of the new year to bring good luck.

Of course there are many great travel experiences to be had - have you been to Japan?  What would you add?

A Very Nanna Sunday

Why do I want to blog about my experiences in Nanna Technology?

4 main reasons:

1. To get myself used to writing regularly.  I love to write but need a purpose.

2. To keep myself motivated to learn more about Nanna Technology.  I am not naturally a finisher - I start projects with so much enthusiasm and then they fall by the wayside.

3. To have a record of what I am doing day-to-day, month-to-month.  Staying at home with my daughter, people often wonder what I do all day.  Well, I keep the family organised and fed, 'nurture' my daughter and then Nanna it up!

4. To share inspiration with others - it feels good to work on nanna projects and talk about them.

Why did I put off blogging for so long?

1. Being a mum and a blogger is a huge cliche.

2.  I'm not an expert or want to suggest that I am.

3. I didn't want people to think I was bragging or trying to "one up".

I realised I can't control how others view what I do and the  positives outweighed the negatives -I decided to just start writing.   This is how I often coach myself when starting something new: Get over yourself, who cares if you look like an idiot, you are allowed to be crap at something when you just start.  Worse to be the person who steps back because they are too scared to look like an idiot!!

So please remember, if I show photos of my preserves, it is because I like to take photos (and put them into apps to make collages and add text).  It is just a snapshot of one moment in my day - a day which probably also involved watching TV, googling stupid stuff or whatever!

Enough said…here's how we Nanna'd it up last Sunday…

1. The tomatoes were pulled out to make way for the next crop, leaving 1200 grams of green tomatoes.  I found heaps of recipes online but went for the one that I had all the ingredients for.  It seemed illogical to go and but a bag of apples if the point of the exercise was to make use of an otherwise wasted resource.  Tried some with cheese on toast the same day- tasted alright to me!

2. My Mother-in-law suggested a joint project - making a small apron for my daughter.  I will cross stitch and she will help me sew it.  The last time I crosshatched was at Brownies!! So I youtubed and googled to remind myself.  I got a pattern for a simple heart online.  

3. Not me - my husband went and collected wood.  We have a small wood stove in our kitchen that we use as heating and to boil water.  

4. Cooking the quinces I gleaned from a roadside.  I looked at lots of recipes and went for the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Companion recipe: poached in syrup.  These are really good.  I didn't get quinces straight away.  Like ginger, it was something my mum liked and that I would eat but not really enjoy.  I enjoy them now. 

Thanks Collage and Typic for helping me make the photos!!

In praise of The Local

Recently I heard of a granny involved in a little magazine syndicate with two friends.  These are three women who know how to get value for money, while still loving to keep up with the weekly glossies.  So they have an agreement: they each buy a particular magazine, read it and then swap.  They have a designated drop off location in one of their backyards - under the barbecue cover, if I remember correctly. They have an initialling system so they can each keep track of the magazines they have read.  Once there are 3 initials, the magazines go to a daughter, then her daughter-in-law and finally a hospital waiting room.  I love systems like this! It is a great example of getting more use out of resources and reducing waste while decreasing clutter in the home.  AND a great example of giving yourself a little bit of luxury in the everyday.

Source: here

On a larger scale, you have the local library.  I guess libraries are not actually FREE - we do pay for them in our taxes.  So, are you getting your money's worth? I wonder why libraries are not utilised more and I think maybe it is the perception that libraries have limited selections.  Or perhaps the time taken to access books from other libraries? I am SO IMPRESSED with the library.  Here is my case for libraries as a bona fide nanna technology!

Firstly, Exhibit A: The Lady.

I found this at my local library, the story of Aung San Suu Kyui.  It was a GREAT film, relatively new and one I had been waiting to see and not found in the local video shop.  Oh, and it was FREE.


Next,  I love that I can access lots of libraries.  The library catalogue is online and therefore accessible from home.  When I search for books and other media, I can choose to search "All Libraries".   Once I've made a reservation I get a text when the book is ready for collection at my local library.  As a result, I have books coming from across the state, FREE, to me.

Third, magazines, book or DVD binges.  I am not hugely enamoured any magazine at the moment, but when I am it is a great way to indulge without paying for it (i.e. it is FREE).  Also add to this list: holiday fiction, films, TV series, recipe books and how-to books.  If you have a holiday coming up or not feeling super energetic, the library is a good place to stock up on entertainment.

How often do you get to the library?  Is it an impressive or underwhelming experience?

I'll be writing about some of my library finds soon.